POLITICS

MHA invokes MLAT with Singapore to investigate singer Zubeen Garg’s death

The Ministry of Home Affairs has formally invoked Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore seeking cooperation in the investigation of singer Zubeen Garg’s death. MLAT, a bilateral pact facilitating exchange of evidence and legal support across borders, enables India to request crucial information, documents, and testimonies from Singaporean authorities. This move underscores the seriousness of the probe as investigators pursue international leads. Officials confirmed that necessary requests have been dispatched to expedite cooperation. Zubeen Garg’s sudden demise has sparked widespread concern, with authorities now expanding the probe beyond domestic jurisdiction.

High-level meeting for Indo-US FTA scheduled-includes India’s Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal

A high-level meeting including Rajesh Agrawal, India’s chief negotiator for the Indo-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), is scheduled, aiming to overcome the current stalemate in trade talks. These negotiations have faced significant hurdles, particularly concerning the US tariffs on Indian goods linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. The US imposed a 50% tariff, split into a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% penalty, creating a deadlock in talks.

However, recent discussions between Agrawal and US officials, including Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch, have been positive and constructive. Both sides are actively pursuing measures to fast-track the negotiations with a goal to reach an early, mutually beneficial agreement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s involvement at the ministerial level signals strong political will from India to resolve outstanding differences soon.

Optimism is growing, with Indian officials expecting solutions to the tariff impasse within the next 8-10 weeks. The talks focus on not just tariffs but also broader trade issues with the ambition to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Did Indian diplomats share memo with Israeli counterparts before signing deal with Trump admin?

Indian diplomats engaged with their Israeli counterparts amid the announcement of a peace deal on Gaza signed by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. PM Narendra Modi responded positively, welcoming the peace plan and endorsing the roadmap for lasting peace it proposes.

The peace deal, announced following talks at the White House between Trump and Netanyahu, is a comprehensive 20-point proposal aimed at ending the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza. Key elements include an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of an international governance mechanism for Gaza excluding Hamas. The plan also envisions a transitional government under international supervision and seeks regional cooperation for stability.

PM Modi welcomes Trump’s comprehensive peace plan; calls it boon for Palestine & Israel 

 Indian diplomatic interactions with Israeli counterparts occurred in the backdrop of this development, emphasising India’s support for efforts that aim to resolve the Gaza conflict and establish a durable peace framework endorsed by key global leaders including PM Modi.

In summary, the Indian government, through PM Modi's statement and diplomatic channels, has endorsed the peace deal brokered by Trump and Netanyahu as a significant step toward peace in the region.

Former Kerala DGP to participate in RSS rally on Oct 1

The former Director General of Kerala Police, Jacob Thomas will join the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time pracharak and participate in RSS Rally on October1. He is 1985 batch former IPS officer.

PM Modi lauds RSS 'Dil Se" (UPDATED)

The RSS has completed 100 years on this Vijayadashami. PM Modi released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and Rs 100 coin highlighting the RSS’s contributions to the nation. On the occasion, the Prime Minister Modi praised RSS with open heart. He said, even after Independence, efforts were made to crush the RSS. There were infinite conspiracies to prevent RSS from coming into the mainstream. But, RSS never had any place for bitterness against anyone because we know, we are not different from society, but a part of it. RSS swayamsewaks have an unwavering faith in the constitutional institutions of the country. 'The aim and essence of RSS and  all the sub-organisations within the RSS is the same- Nation First," he said.